Powerful 8.8 Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alerts Across Pacific
A powerful earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday, sending shockwaves across the Pacific Ocean and prompting tsunami warnings in multiple countries.
The quake, which occurred at 8:25 am Japan time, was initially recorded at 8.0 magnitude but later upgraded by the US Geological Survey (USGS). Its epicenter was located 119 km east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia, at a depth of 20.7 km. The tremor triggered tsunami warnings in Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, New Zealand, and parts of Canada and the US West Coast.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a 40 cm high tsunami near Tokachi on the southern shore of Hokkaido. Sirens blared across Honolulu, Hawaii, urging residents to move to higher ground. Meanwhile, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that the tsunami could cause damage across all Hawaiian islands.
In Russia, the towns of Severo-Kurilsk and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky experienced structural damage and temporary power outages. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported, although several people were treated for minor issues. Governor Valery Limarenko assured that evacuation procedures were successful and that residents remained on elevated ground.
Further warnings were issued for Oregon, Washington, California, and Canada’s British Columbia. In Oregon, the emergency management department predicted waves of 1 to 2 feet and advised people to avoid beaches and harbors.
The Philippines and New Zealand also issued alerts, warning of strong currents and unusual coastal activity. In New Zealand, emergency agencies urged citizens to leave beaches, estuaries, and riversides immediately.
This quake is the strongest in the Kamchatka Peninsula since 1952 and one of the most powerful globally since the 2011 Japan earthquake. Aftershocks with magnitudes up to 6.9 were recorded, and experts warned that more could follow.
Japan’s nuclear power operators reported no irregularities. Tokyo Electric Power Company stated that approximately 4,000 workers at the Fukushima Daiichi plant moved to higher ground as a precaution.
Authorities across the Pacific Rim continue to monitor the situation closely, and evacuation efforts remain in place to safeguard lives and property.
